New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Takes a Risk, Plays Aaron Rodgers in Final Preseason Game
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets coach Robert Saleh believes in taking risks and playing to win. Despite the team’s bad history with quarterback injuries in preseason games, Saleh has decided to start Aaron Rodgers in the final preseason game against the New York Giants.
“You can’t coach scared, you can’t play scared,” Saleh said confidently. “You can slip out of your car and have something happen to you. Knock on wood, everyone will be fine.”
Rodgers, who is 39 years old and hasn’t played in the preseason since 2018, was already leaning towards playing in the game before Saleh even approached him about it.
“There wasn’t much of a conversation with Robert,” Rodgers revealed. “I think he was a little more nervous I might have said no, but I was already leaning toward asking him to play. So, it was an easy conversation.”
With the season opener less than three weeks away, Saleh wants Rodgers to get acclimated to MetLife Stadium and its atmosphere before facing the Buffalo Bills on September 11 at home. Rodgers himself expressed a sense of urgency, stating that now is the time when things ramp up.
“There’s always that risk-reward,” Rodgers acknowledged. “I think over the years it just hasn’t made sense based on a number of different factors. I used to enjoy playing in the preseason back in my younger years, just to kind of maybe take that first hit or feel the nerves on the first drive. So, I look forward to being out there.”
The Jets have had a history of quarterback injuries in preseason games against the Giants. In 2003, Chad Pennington fractured his left wrist, causing him to miss the first six regular-season games. In 2013, Mark Sanchez suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Saleh, however, pointed out that the Jets aren’t the only team using their star quarterback in the preseason.
“You see some of the great ones out there,” Saleh explained. “Kansas City is playing their guys, Buffalo is playing their guys. It’s not uncommon. You can always play the hindsight game, the fearful game, but what’s in the best interest of our team is going out and playing some football together and preparing ourselves the best way we can for Sept. 11.”
It seems that Rodgers and the starting offense will play more than one series as they try to build chemistry. Due to injuries and positional battles, the Jets haven’t had much continuity during the summer.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Saleh said. “I don’t want to just throw him out there for a series and get him out. I’d like to see those guys go through transition, get to the sideline, have some adjustments, get back to the field, play with those adjustments. You’d like to see that transition happen a few times.”
Fortunately, Rodgers’ offensive line will be mostly intact for the game. Guards Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who missed last week’s game with injuries, are expected to return. Mekhi Becton, a former first-round pick who has been impressive in camp, will start at right tackle.
The only projected starter still sidelined is left tackle Duane Brown, who was in Houston on Tuesday for a medical evaluation on his surgically repaired shoulder. If cleared, he will be activated from the physically unable to perform list.
Running back Dalvin Cook, who was recently signed by the Jets, won’t play in the final preseason game. However, he is expected to be ready for Week 1. Running back Breece Hall, who underwent ACL surgery, returned to practice last week and is also expected to be available for the season opener.
The decision to play Rodgers didn’t come as a surprise, as Saleh had hinted at the possibility a few weeks ago.
“For us as an organization, he’s new,” Saleh explained. “I know he’s been in the league for a very long time, but [I] just didn’t want Sept. 11 to be the first time he stepped into MetLife Stadium. The Giants-Jets game, whether it’s preseason or regular season, it’s going to be a good turnout.”
“There’s going to be a lot of anticipation and excitement in the building. I just didn’t want the first time that he goes out with his new team, new colors, new teammates, new stadium — I didn’t want it to be the first time on Sept. 11.”
In conclusion, Coach Robert Saleh is taking a calculated risk by playing Aaron Rodgers in the final preseason game. Despite the team’s history of quarterback injuries, Saleh believes it’s important for Rodgers to get acclimated to the stadium and build chemistry with his teammates before the season opener. While there is always a risk involved, Saleh is confident that playing Rodgers is in the best interest of the team. Only time will tell if this decision pays off for the New York Jets.